Kanimbla crew to get Indonesian medals

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The crew of the HMAS Kanimbla will be bestowed an Indonesian
medal of honour for humanitarian efforts in Aceh and Nias, the
country's ambassador announced today.

The Kanimbla docked at Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney today
nearly one month after the Sea King helicopter disaster that
claimed nine Australian lives.

Indonesian Ambassador Imron Cotan told the sailors and their
families that his country valued their efforts during the
challenging and difficult humanitarian mission.

"It is also a source of deep sadness to see the Kanimbla
returning wounded by the loss of nine of its crew in the Sea King
helicopter crash last month which also seriously injured two
others," Mr Cotan said.

"Indonesia feels this loss and we grieve with you.

"We pray that the families will have the strength to continue on
without their loved ones while cherishing their memories and
carrying the torch they have passed on."

He told the 1000-strong crowd that the nine dead and the
remaining crew would be given medals for their efforts.

"Indonesia is privileged to bestow upon them and to surviving
members of Kanimbla ... a medal ... the first of its kind to be
given to non-Indonesian citizens," Mr Cotan.